#June 12: Gov. Ambode Calls For Fiscal Federalism

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi-Ambode

Lagos state Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode has called for joint efforts to entrench fiscal federalism, stating that it is the only way to achieve true nationhood.

He made this call at a public lecture themed, “Restructuring: An Antidote for Effective and Efficient Polity’’, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential election.

“Our present democratic experience may still be far from ideal but we are absolutely convinced that it is the right way to go for us to realise the optimum potential and prosperity of the federating states and the nation.

“On this historic day, I am convinced more than ever before that this ideal will be realised sooner than we can imagine,’’ Ambode said.

He siad the theme of the celebration is apt as it adresses topical issues causing problems in the nation.

“The theme of this historic edition of June 12 celebrations speaks for itself. As a state and people, our stand on a restructuring process that will lead to fiscal federalism, devolution of power is very clear,” he said.

Ambode described this year’s commemoration as a victory for democracy with the award and conferment of the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on the Late MKO Abiola and his running mate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

“By this singular act, including the award of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger on the fearless Human Rights Activist, Late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, President Muhammadu Buhari has written his name in Gold in the political history of Nigeria.

“We salute President Muhammadu Buhari for demonstrating exceptional courage to stand by justice and the truth,’’ he said.

Ambode Said June 12 is a day that unites Nigerians inspite of the tribal and etnic differences.

“Sadly, the aspiration of Nigerians expressed through the ballot was truncated by the military.

“Since then, the struggle for democracy has been relentless, championed by progressive Nigerians, men of character and courage, who challenged the military junta.

“You can imagine our delight when the President announced the recognition of June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day in Nigeria.

“This formal recognition is a crown of victory to the struggle that had taken the lives of so many nationalists and patriots,’’ he said.

The governor saluted all those who stood for the actualisation of June 12 and also paid tributes to the memories of patriots who died in the struggle.

“Today, we salute leaders of the struggle including Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Amb. Walter Carrington, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya and Chief Frank Kokori.

“Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Mr Wale Oshun, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and other Nigerians and Civil Society Organisations as well as trade and labour unions.

“We also pay glowing tribute to patriots such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Michael Enahoro and Chief Alfred Rewane.

“Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo and several others, including innocent ordinary Nigerians, young and old, who were murdered in cold blood on the streets of Lagos and in other major cities of Nigeria.

“Today, we declare that their sacrifice has not been in vain,’’ Ambode said.

As part of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the annulled June 12 Presidential election in Lagos, the state government held the 25th edition of the June 12 Annual Lecture and unveiled a 37-ft statue of the late MKO Abiola at Ketu-Alapere, Lagos.